5. Sharon Carter - Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D/Captain America
Agent 13 to some, Sharon Carter to others, this field agent of the S.H.I.E.L.D. organisation was popular in her own right, even before considering that she also had a major role in the Captain America series as the girlfriend of Steve Rogers. Feisty, headstrong and a complete cynic, she more than makes up for the fact that Captain America is easily the dullest of all the Marvel superheroes. Carter has a long and distinguished history with the S.H.I.E.L.D. organisation and, like most other sidekicks who are worth caring about, has enough skill in her own right to eventually rise to the top of her game, taking over as executive director in the aftermath of Nick Fury's 'death.' The comic book universe has always done a better job of depicting strong women than Hollywood does, so it's no surprise that Carter has not yet been satisfactorily depicted on the big screen. Hopes are high for Emily Van Camp's portrayal in next year's Captain America sequel. Carter has always maintained a spark and wit throughout her uncountable misfortunes during the run of the S.H.I.E.L.D. series. In a genre full of strong female characters, she still manages to hold her own.